Veliaj Administration Accused of Spreading Misinformation Again

Albanian Media Dismisses Claims of Council of Europe Meeting with Detained Mayor

Reports that Council of Europe officials had requested a meeting with detained Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj have been categorically refuted by CNA, which describes the story as “fraud” propagated by media outlets supportive of the embattled mayor.

CNA states it has received official confirmation that no such request from Council of Europe authorities exists. According to the news agency, it is Veliaj himself who has petitioned SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) for permission to meet with European Commission officials, purportedly to fulfill his mayoral duties.

The controversy comes amid a complex legal situation for Veliaj, who remains imprisoned while facing 13 charges for five serious criminal offenses. His case has been complicated by a Constitutional Court ruling that deemed his dismissal from office illegal, creating an unusual scenario where he technically retains his title as mayor while incarcerated.

“The dismissal was overturned by the Constitutional Court, but this does not mean that Erion Veliaj should get out of prison and go meet whoever he wants and however he wants, including EC officials,” CNA reported, emphasizing that European officials have made no request to meet with the mayor.

The situation reflects the ongoing tensions in Albanian politics, where high-profile corruption cases have increasingly led to legal actions against prominent officials. Veliaj’s case is particularly significant given his position as mayor of Albania’s capital and largest city.

Albanian anti-corruption efforts have intensified in recent years, partly in response to European Union demands for judicial reforms as part of the country’s EU accession process. The establishment of SPAK has been a cornerstone of these efforts, empowered to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption.

Veliaj’s supporters maintain that the charges against him are politically motivated, while prosecutors argue they are pursuing legitimate corruption allegations. His continued incarceration while technically holding office creates unprecedented administrative challenges for Tirana’s governance.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Veliaj’s dismissal creates a particularly unusual situation in Albanian governance, where an elected official continues to hold legal title to office while being physically unable to perform duties due to imprisonment.

Media coverage of high-profile cases like Veliaj’s has become increasingly polarized in Albania, with news outlets often clearly aligning with political factions. CNA’s strong pushback against what it calls “fake news” demonstrates the contentious information environment surrounding politically sensitive cases.

The coming weeks may see further developments as the courts continue to address both the criminal charges against Veliaj and the practical implications of his unusual legal status as an imprisoned but not formally removed mayor.